Topic: My Vehicular History Thread by DKaz

[Solstice2006]

Thanks!

That Camry wagon was too rusty for me to think about making it a play toy. The Odyssey should keep me entertained for 9 months. Haha.

I'm not sure sure how far I want to go with the Odyssey, but I'm eyeing H&R lowering springs already. 1.5" drop at the front, 1.1" drop at the back. Wheels, I'm not sure what look I want to go for yet. I was thinking of picking up used G35 rims to start, or just save my money for something like Vossens. That is, if I don't need to replace the transmission first. I'm leaving a 5 or 6 speed manual swap as a possibility when the transmission goes.

And definitely Weathertech mats. They weren't available for my Sienna but are definitely available for the Odyssey. Sweet.

I knew I forgot something.  I knew you would be doing lowering springs.  This summer I plant to add a towing package, transmission cooler and class II hitch. 

[dkaz]

How much were you quoted for a transmission cooler? I think one would be beneficial for extending the life of these transmissions even in typical driving conditions.

Oh yea, I'll leave this here with you...

http://www.essexdistributors.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_440_481&products_id=6027&osCsid=e7p3joequ1gmbbb8dbumn0d1u4

[dkaz]

I used the synthetic ATF stuff, but still, I also feel now that maybe it was a bit pricey. I asked that shop to quote me on ATF service then another shop. The other shop said there was no pan to drop in the Odyssey transmission? At least not mine. And they just recommended doing drain and fills as opposed to a flush, multiple ones say every oil change if necessary until the colour is good.

Anyway, had I kept the Sienna longer, the monthly maintenance would've definitely gone down. It's not often a timing belt has to be done.

[Solstice2006]

How much were you quoted for a transmission cooler? I think one would be beneficial for extending the life of these transmissions even in typical driving conditions.

Oh yea, I'll leave this here with you...

http://www.essexdistributors.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_440_481&products_id=6027&osCsid=e7p3joequ1gmbbb8dbumn0d1u4

Don't think I would want lowering springs, especially when towing a pop up trailer.

When I have the exact number I will give it to you. But probably won't be that useful.  Having the transmission cooler, hitch, maybe brake controller, all done at a place in the US.  My Dad said he saved 50% when having work done on his RV there.

[Solstice2006]

I used the synthetic ATF stuff, but still, I also feel now that maybe it was a bit pricey. I asked that shop to quote me on ATF service then another shop. The other shop said there was no pan to drop in the Odyssey transmission? At least not mine. And they just recommended doing drain and fills as opposed to a flush, multiple ones say every oil change if necessary until the colour is good.

Anyway, had I kept the Sienna longer, the monthly maintenance would've definitely gone down. It's not often a timing belt has to be done.

For sure the monthly maintenance would have gone down the longer you kept it.  Just saying that I spent $2000 over 2 years, compared to your $1300 in 9 months. 

Regarding the Odysseys transmission, I just went to my regular mechanic.  At 70k, (about 3 months ago) had the transmission flushed in the Mazda5.  The month after, at around 170k, had the transmission flushed in the Odyssey.  Since they were doing all the fluids, I really don't ask the exact procedure they did.  But I just used the Honda OEM transmission fluid. 

[mrthompson]

[Arthur Dent]

Flat black paint, cut the springs, set of Acura wheels 

[Solstice2006]

Wheels & Tires worth more than the vehicle!

[dkaz]

Yea Vancouver Transmission said that Honda transmissions are very picky about fluids, so they said they only recommend putting Honda DW-1 in it. I heard Amsoil OEM ATF is a Honda Z-1 spec compatible ATF and most people have used it with great success, but the tech seemed leery about wanting to put that in. These guys specialize in Hondas and Toyotas so I'll take their word for it.

Anyway I had a guy come look at the car, saying he buys cars to ship to Africa. It's not a registered charity, just something he does once a year, grabs a 60 foot container, packs in three or four cars and then fills the rest with baby food, supplies, etc. so he offered $1300 for the Sienna. I want to believe him, it'd be for a good cause. I tried researching this guy, he has shipped out containers full of Toyotas and baby food for sure but I only see the shipments go as far as Tacoma, WA, which is the port of unlading. Whether that's the destination or if it gets transferred to another ship headed to Africa I'm not sure. Thoughts?

[mrthompson]

Make it the modern equivalent to...



 

[Arthur Dent]

I'd sell to him but only for a price I wanted. No special discounts. Sounds like a business not a charity.

[dkaz]

No... haha.

Vossens with tires are about $2500, so yea double what I paid for the Odyssey. lol.

[Solstice2006]

I'd sell to him but only for a price I wanted. No special discounts. Sounds like a business not a charity.

 

[johngenx]

If you want to support a charity, there are several ones that would take the car and give you a healthy tax receipt.  Or, if you only want to give a portion of the sale price (as he's asking by wanting a discount) then sell it for market value and give some cash to a reputable charity.

[TheHire]

I'm hesitant but I'd like to see how this charity dude plays out.

However, now that I'm caught up to speed, I have a question. Did you actually put premium fuel in the Toyota 3.0?

[TheHire]

There is only one solution to this.

[Solstice2006]

What no fog lights?  POS!

[johngenx]

No doubt.  Unless you drive around with your fogs on all the time, how will every one know you're a highly skilled European driver?

[Solstice2006]

No doubt.  Unless you drive around with your fogs on all the time, how will every one know you're a highly skilled European driver?

just like all the lux suvs around here, driving with the fogs on all time.  Especially MDXs!

[TheHire]

What no fog lights?  POS!

Yeah, I guess that peasant bought the DX/LX